Fillable Form Bill of Lading Template
A Bill of Lading (B/L) is a legal document used in international trade to serve as a receipt of shipment, a contract between the shipper and carrier, and a document of title to the goods. It is a crucial document in ocean transportation that plays a vital role in ensuring the smooth and efficient movement of goods across borders.
What is a Bill of Lading?
A Bill of Lading (B/L) is a legal document that serves as a receipt of shipment, a contract between the shipper and carrier, and a document of title to the goods. It serves as a receipt of shipment, a contract between the shipper and carrier, and a document of title to the goods. It also serves as a security instrument and a negotiable instrument, and is governed by international rules and regulations.
How do I fill out a Bill of Lading?
It is vitally important to double-check all information entered on a Bill of Lading in order to ensure that it is correct and accurate to the shipment concerned. This will help to avoid any issues that may arise as a result of the wrong information being included on the Bill of Lading.
Trailer/Car Number
Enter the Trailer or Car Number of the shipment.
Bill Date
Enter the date that this bill was made.
To
Enter the following information about who the shipment is being sent to:
From
Enter the following information about the person sending the shipment:
For Payment
Enter the following information about where the bill for payment must be sent:
Shipper’s Instructions
Enter here any particular instructions set by the shipper on the handling of the shipment. If more space is required, you may attach a separate sheet of paper, labeled appropriately, as necessary.
Shipment Details
In the table provided, enter the following information in the relevant columns:
If more space is required in order to list more entries, use an additional sheet of paper and label it accordingly.
C.O.D
Enter the amount remitted and the amount paid if the delivery is Cash on Delivery (COD).
Delivery Payment
Check the box that corresponds to how the delivery is or was paid for. You may choose one of the following:
Recipient of Delivery
Enter the full legal name of the consignee and their address information (street address, city, state, country, and ZIP code).
Signature
Have the consignor (the person having the shipment delivered) sign the form in the space provided.
Total Charges
Enter the total charges that must be paid for the shipment. Check the box provided in the space below if the shipment is prepaid.
Value of Property
Enter the value in dollars per unit of weight of the shipment (i.e. $400 per 1kg or item in the shipment) as declared by the shipper. Note that the value of the goods in the shipment must not exceed this declared value.
Final Certification Section
Enter the name of the shipper. Then, in the spaces labeled “per”, if the Bill of Lading is being filled out by a representative of the shipper, enter the representative or representatives’ name in the space provided. Finally, enter the date that the bill was made.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How is the Bill of Lading different from other shipping documents?
The Bill of Lading is different from other shipping documents because it is a contract of carriage between the shipper and the carrier. It serves as a receipt for the goods shipped, evidence of the contract of carriage, and a document of title to the goods.
How is the Bill of Lading used in international trade?
The Bill of Lading is used in international trade as a legal document that specifies the terms and conditions of carriage, the description of the goods, the identity of the carrier, and the transfer of ownership of the goods.
What are the different types of Bills of Lading?
There are different types of Bills of Lading, including straight (non-negotiable), order (negotiable), bearer (negotiable), through (covering multiple modes of transport), charter party (covering the terms of a charter party), and liner (covering goods shipped on a regular basis).
What is the difference between a negotiable and a non-negotiable Bill of Lading?
The main difference between a negotiable and a non-negotiable Bill of Lading is that a negotiable Bill of Lading can be transferred to a third party as a document of title, while a non-negotiable Bill of Lading is not transferable.
Can a Bill of Lading be issued electronically?
Yes, a Bill of Lading can be issued electronically. This is known as an Electronic Bill of Lading (eBL), and it is becoming increasingly common in international trade, as they are often easier to fill out and distribute to the necessary parties. However, it is important to note that eBLs are subject to their own set of rules in order to ensure their security and validity, so be sure that you are filing them in compliance with those rules before submitting them to the relevant persons/entities.
Can the Bill of Lading be transferred to a third party?
Yes, the Bill of Lading can be transferred to a third party, either by endorsement or by delivery. This will usually require additional processes to be undergone in order to ensure that the transfer is processed properly, however.
What is a combined Bill of Lading?
A combined Bill of Lading is a document that combines two or more Bills of Lading for the same shipment, usually for different modes of transportation.
What is the difference between a Bill of Lading and a sea waybill?
The main difference between a Bill of Lading and a sea waybill is that a Bill of Lading is a negotiable document of title that can be transferred to a third party, while a sea waybill is a non-negotiable document that serves as a receipt for the goods shipped.
Can a Bill of Lading be used to resolve disputes related to damaged goods?
Yes, a Bill of Lading can be used to resolve disputes related to damaged goods, as it serves as evidence of the condition of the goods at the time of shipment.
What if the information on the Bill of Lading contains errors?
If the information on the Bill of Lading contains errors, it can lead to delays, disputes, and additional costs. As such, it is important to notify the carrier and the shipper of the errors as soon as possible so that a corrected Bill of Lading can be sent before any issues arise from errors in the existing bill.
What are the consequences of issuing a fraudulent Bill of Lading?
The consequences of issuing a fraudulent Bill of Lading can include legal liability (this may differ per country and/or state, so make sure to double-check the laws as they apply in your area beforehand), financial penalties, and damage to the reputation of the issuer.
How does the Bill of Lading help in the calculation of freight rates and charges?
The Bill of Lading helps in the calculation of freight rates and charges by specifying the weight, volume, and nature of the goods shipped, as well as the terms and conditions of carriage. This information is used to determine the appropriate freight rates and charges.